Check-out system and registration apparatus

ABSTRACT

A registration apparatus stores priority which is set for each of a plurality of payment apparatuses. If a condition to update the priority is established, the registration apparatus updates the priority, based on data indicating a state of each payment apparatus. The registration apparatus transmits accounting data and data on the priority, to a payment apparatus having a top priority. A payment apparatus pays a transaction by transmitting a permission response to the registration apparatus, when receiving the accounting data and the priority data in a state where the payment of the transaction is possible. The payment apparatus transfers the accounting data and the priority data to another payment apparatus having a lower priority than the payment apparatus, based on the priority data, when the accounting data and the priority data are received in a state where the payment of the transaction is not possible.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of application Ser. No. 16/739,179filed on Jan. 10, 2020, which is a Divisional of application Ser. No.15/371,613 filed on Dec. 7, 2016, the entire contents of both of whichare incorporated herein by reference.

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority fromJapanese Patent Application No. 2015-249966, filed Dec. 22, 2015, theentire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

Embodiments described herein relate generally to a check-out system anda registration apparatus included in the system and methods relatedthereto.

BACKGROUND

As a check-out system for a mass retailer, there is a type in which aregistration apparatus that generates accounting data required forpayment of a transaction for each transaction, and a payment apparatusthat processes the payment of the transaction based on the accountingdata are separated. The registration apparatus waits for the input ofdata relating to merchandise sales. If the data relating to merchandisesales is input by an operator, the registration apparatus generatesaccounting data based on the data, and transmits the accounting data tothe payment apparatus. The payment apparatus waits for the input ofpayment data for the accounting data. If the payment data is input bythe operator, the payment apparatus processes the payment of atransaction based on the accounting data and the payment data. Thecheck-out system of this type, in which the registration apparatus andthe payment apparatus are separated, employs a dual system in whichseparate salespersons respectively operate the registration apparatusand the payment apparatus, or a sharing system, that is, a so-calledsemi-self-type in which a salesperson operates the registrationapparatus and a shopper operates the payment apparatus.

In a case of the semi-self-type, if it takes time for the shopper tooperate the payment apparatus, the subsequent shopper has to wait beforeexecuting their payment. In order to avoid such a delay, a plurality ofpayment apparatuses are connected to a single registration apparatus.The registration apparatus selects any payment apparatus at eachtransaction, and transmits accounting data to the payment apparatus.Therefore, the registration apparatus needs to select a paymentapparatus which is a destination of accounting data for eachtransaction.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a check-outsystem according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating main circuit configurations of aregistration apparatus and a payment apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view illustrating main memory areas formed in aRAM of the registration apparatus.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view illustrating a list table stored in anauxiliary storage unit of the registration apparatus.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating a main procedure of informationprocessing that a CPU of the registration apparatus executes.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart specifically illustrating a procedure of apriority update process of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart specifically illustrating a procedure of anaccounting transmission process of FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating a main procedure of a receptioninterrupt process that a CPU of the payment apparatus executes.

FIG. 9 is a schematic view illustrating a display example of aregistration screen.

FIG. 10 is a schematic view illustrating a display example of anaccounting check screen.

FIG. 11 is a schematic view illustrating another display example of theaccounting check screen.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Exemplary embodiments are intended to provide a check-out system inwhich a registration apparatus does not need to select a paymentapparatus which is a destination of accounting data at each transaction,and a registration apparatus which is used in the system.

In general, according to one embodiment, a check-out system includes aregistration apparatus that generates accounting data required forpayment of a transaction for each transaction and a plurality of paymentapparatuses which process payment of the transaction based on theaccounting data, which are connected through a network. The registrationapparatus includes storage means, update means, transmission means, andnotification means. The storage means stores a priority which is set foreach of the plurality of payment apparatuses. The update means updatesthe priority which is stored in the storage means, based on dataindicating a state of each of the plurality of payment apparatuses, if acondition to update the priority is established. The transmission meanstransmits accounting data and data on the priority stored in the storagemeans, to a payment apparatus having a top priority, through thenetwork. The notification means notifies of information for identifyingany payment apparatus which is a transmission source of a permissionresponse, in response to reception of the permission response from thepayment apparatus through the network. The payment apparatus includesreception means, determination means, permission response means, andtransfer means. The reception means receives the accounting data and thepriority data through the network. The determination means determineswhether or not the payment apparatus is in a state where payment of thetransaction is possible. The permission response means transmits thepermission response to the registration apparatus through the network,when the accounting data and the priority data are received in the statewhere the payment of the transaction is possible. The transfer meanstransfers the accounting data and the priority data to another paymentapparatus having a lower priority than the payment apparatus, based onthe priority data, through the network, when the accounting data and thepriority data are received in a state where the payment of thetransaction is not possible.

Hereinafter, a description will be given on an embodiment with referenceto the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a check-out system 10 according to anembodiment. The check-out system 10 includes a plurality of registrationapparatuses 11, and payment apparatuses 12 of a number larger than thenumber of the registration apparatuses 11. The registration apparatuses11 and the payment apparatuses 12 are disposed in each check-out lane ina store.

FIG. 1 illustrates a case where two registration apparatuses 11 and sixpayment apparatuses 12 are disposed in two check-out lanes.Specifically, a single registration apparatus 11 and three paymentapparatuses 12 (12-1, 12-2, and 12-3) are disposed in one check-outlane. The payment apparatus 12-1 is the closest to the registrationapparatus 11, the payment apparatus 12-2 is the second closest to theregistration apparatus 11, and the payment apparatus 12-3 is thefarthest from the registration apparatus 11.

The check-out system 10 is the semi-self-type. In other words, theoperator of the registration apparatus 11 is a salesperson 21 who worksas a so-called checker. The operator of the payment apparatus 12 is ashopper 22 who purchases merchandise which is sold at a store.

The registration apparatus 11 is attached to a work table 23 in FIG. 1.The work table 23 has a rectangular top plate. A plurality of worktables 23 are arranged in such a manner that the longitudinal directionsof the top plates are substantially parallel to each other, and formpassages (checkout lanes) for the shoppers 22.

The registration apparatus 11 has respective functions of salesregistration of merchandise, generation of accounting data, and transferof the accounting data to the payment apparatus 12. The salesregistration of merchandise is to register the data of merchandise thatthe shopper 22 purchases in the registration apparatus 11. For example,if a bar code that is attached to merchandise is scanned by a scanner,the data of the merchandise is registered in the registration apparatus11. The accounting data is data related to accounting of merchandise ofwhich sales is registered as a single transaction. A merchandise code, amerchandise name, a unit price, the number, the amount of money and thelike are included in the accounting data.

The payment apparatus 12 has a function of payment. In other words, ifaccounting data is transferred from the registration apparatus 11, thepayment apparatus 12 processes the payment of a transaction based on theaccounting data. The payment process is to process payment for atransaction which is an action of buying and selling merchandise, basedon the accounting data. Cash, credit cards, electronic moneys or thelike are used for payment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating main circuit configurations ofthe registration apparatus 11 and the payment apparatus 12. Theregistration apparatus 11 and the payment apparatus 12 are all connectedto a local area network (LAN) 13 which is a network. Without beingillustrated, a server is connected to the LAN 13. The server includes amerchandise database in which merchandise information such as amerchandise name and a unit price is set in association with amerchandise code of each piece of merchandise.

The registration apparatus 11 and the payment apparatus 12 exchangeinformation through the LAN 13. Other communication networks such as theInternet or a wireless LAN may be used for the network, instead of theLAN 13. The registration apparatus 11 and the payment apparatus 12 maybe configured to exchange information to each other through the server.

The registration apparatus 11 includes a CPU 11 a, a ROM 11 b, a RAM 11c, an auxiliary storage unit 11 d, a drawer open unit 11 e, a scanner 11f, two touch panels 11 g 1 and 11 g 2, a printer 11 h, a card reader andwriter 11 i, a communication unit 11 j, and a transmission system 11 k.

The CPU 11 a is connected to the ROM 11 b, the RAM 11 c and theauxiliary storage unit 11 d through the transmission system 11 k so asto constitute a computer.

The CPU 11 a corresponds to the central portion of the computer. The CPU11 a controls respective units so as to realize various functions of theregistration apparatus 11, based on the operating system, themiddleware, and the application programs, which are stored in the ROM 11b and the RAM 11 c. The ROM 11 b corresponds to the main memory portionof the computer. The ROM 11 b stores the operating system. The ROM 11 bmay store the middleware and application programs in some cases.Further, the ROM 11 b may also store data that is referred to when theCPU 11 a executes various processes. The RAM 11 c corresponds to themain memory portion of the computer. The RAM 11 c stores data that isreferred to when the CPU 11 a executes various processes. Further, theRAM 11 c is utilized as a so-called work area for storing data that istemporarily used when the CPU 11 a executes various processes. Theauxiliary storage unit 11 d corresponds to the auxiliary memory portionof the computer. The auxiliary storage unit 11 d stores data used whenthe CPU 11 a executes various processes or data that is generated in theprocess performed by the CPU 11 a. As the auxiliary storage unit 11 d,for example, an EEPROM, a HDD, a SSD, or the like can be used. Theapplication program that is stored in the ROM 11 b or the auxiliarystorage unit 11 d includes a control program describing informationprocessing, which is executed in the registration apparatus 11.

The drawer open unit 11 e automatically opens a drawer that is intendedto accommodate money. The scanner 11 f reads the bar code attached tomerchandise, and obtains the merchandise code of the merchandise. Onetouch panel 11 g 1 of the two touch panels 11 g 1 and 11 g 2 is for asalesperson, and the other touch panel 11 g 2 is for a customer. Each ofthe touch panels 11 g 1 and 11 g 2 includes a display device and a touchsensor. The touch panel 11 g 1 for a salesperson is provided on the worktable 23 in such a manner that the display screen faces the workingspace side of the salesperson 21. The touch panel 11 g 2 for a customeris provided on the work table 23 in such a manner that the displayscreen faces the aisle side for the shopper 22. The printer 11 h issuesa receipt by printing various types of strings, images, or the like on areceipt sheet. The card reader and writer 11 i has a function of readingdata recorded on the card, and a function of writing data into the card.The card may include payment cards such as a credit card, a debit card,an electronic money card, and a prepaid card. The communication unit 11j communicates data with a plurality of payment apparatuses 12 which areconnected to each other through the LAN 13. The communication unit 11 jcan also communicate data with other registration apparatuses 11 throughthe LAN 13.

The transmission system 11 k transmits data pieces which are exchangedbetween the CPU 11 a, the ROM 11 b, the RAM 11 c, the auxiliary storageunit 11 d, the drawer open unit 11 e, the scanner 11 f, the touch panels11 g 1 and 11 g 2, the printer 11 h, the card reader and writer 11 i,and the communication unit 11 j. As the transmission system 11 k, awell-known transmission system including various buses such as a systembus and various interface circuits connecting the buses and respectiveunits can be used. As hardware of such registration apparatus 11, forexample, an existing POS terminal can be used.

The payment apparatus 12 includes a CPU 12 a, a ROM 12 b, a RAM 12 c, anauxiliary storage unit 12 d, an automatic change machine 12 e, a scanner12 f, a touch panel 12 g, a printer 12 h, a card reader and writer 12 i,a communication unit 12 j, and a transmission system 12 k. The automaticchange machine 12 e collects coins and bills that are input. Further,the automatic change machine 12 e discharges the coins and bills aschanges. The other functions of the CPU 12 a, the ROM 12 b, the RAM 12c, the auxiliary storage unit 12 d, the scanner 12 f, the touch panel 12g, the printer 12 h, the card reader and writer 12 i, the communicationunit 12 j, and the transmission system 12 k are the same as those of theCPU 11 a, the ROM 11 b, the RAM 11 c, the auxiliary storage unit 11 d,the touch panels 11 g 1 and 11 g 2, the printer 11 h, the card readerand writer 11 i, the communication unit 11 j, and the transmissionsystem 11 k of the registration apparatus 11. In other words, the CPU 12a is connected to the ROM 12 b, the RAM 12 c and the auxiliary storageunit 12 d through the transmission system 12 k so as to constitute acomputer. The CPU 12 a controls respective units so as to implementvarious operations of the payment apparatus 12, based on the operatingsystem, the middleware, and the application programs, which are storedin the ROM 12 b and the RAM 12 c. The application program stored in theROM 12 b or the auxiliary storage unit 12 d includes a control programdescribing information processing that is executed in the paymentapparatus 12. As hardware of such payment apparatus 12, for example, aPOS terminal which correlates with an existing self-type can be used.

In the check-out system 10 of such a configuration, data memory areas31, 32 and 33, illustrated in FIG. 3, are respectively formed in the RAM11 c of the registration apparatus 11. The data memory area 31 is anarea for temporarily storing a merchandise code, a merchandise name, aunit price, the number, and the amount of money of a piece ofmerchandise of which sales is registered. The merchandise code is aunique code for identifying each piece of merchandise individually. Forexample, a merchandise code which is represented by the bar code isattached to each piece of merchandise, and the registration apparatus 11acquires the merchandise code by scanning the bar code by using thescanner 11 f. The merchandise name and the unit price are respectivelythe name and the price per a piece of the merchandise that is identifiedby the corresponding merchandise code. The number is the sales number ofthe same merchandise, and the amount of money is the money of themerchandise of the sales number (sales money). Hereinafter, the datamemory area 31 is referred to as a temporary buffer 31. The data memoryarea 32 is an area for storing data of all pieces of merchandise ofwhich sales is registered as one transaction. The data includesrespective items of a merchandise code, a merchandise name, a unitprice, the number, and the amount of money. Hereinafter, the data memoryarea 32 is referred to as a transaction memory 32. The data memory area33 is an area for storing the total number and the total amount of moneyof all pieces of merchandise of which sales is registered as onetransaction. Hereinafter, the data memory area 33 is referred to as atotal memory 33.

Further, the check-out system 10 stores a list table 41 illustrated inFIG. 4, in the auxiliary storage unit 11 d of the registration apparatus11. The list table 41 is an area for storing payment apparatus IDs,identification names, and statuses, in association with a series of listnumbers starting from “1”. The payment apparatus ID is assigned to eachpayment apparatus 12 in order to identify each payment apparatus 12, andis, for example, a unique ID that is stored in the ROM 12 b.Incidentally, a registration apparatus ID for each registrationapparatus 11 is also stored in the ROM 11 b in the same manner. Theidentification name is a unique name that is set individually for eachpayment apparatus 12. The operator of the registration apparatus 11 isable to determine which payment apparatus 12 is indicated, based on theidentification name. The status represents a state (“on standby”, “inuse”, “in warning”, or “in error”) of the payment apparatus 12. “Onstandby” is a state where the payment apparatus waits for the accountingdata to be transferred from the registration apparatus 11. “In use” is astate where the payment apparatus executes a payment process based onaccounting data. “In warning” is a state where a warning is generated.Examples of warning include a warning indicating excess of cash or awarning indicating lack of cash, which is generated in the automaticchange machine 12 e, or a warning indicating that the receipt paper isalmost run out of, which is generated in the printer 12 h. “In error” isa state where an error occurs. Examples of error include an error due tocash full or no cash in the automatic change machine 12 e, or an errordue to no receipt paper or the occurrence of receipt paper jam in theprinter 12 h. In the present embodiment, status data ST representing “onstandby” is set to “0”, status data ST representing “in use” is set to“1”, status data ST representing “in warning” is set to “2”, and statusdata ST representing “in error” is set to “3”.

When receiving a signal representing “in use” from any payment apparatus12, the registration apparatus 11 changes the status corresponding tothe payment apparatus ID of the payment apparatus 12 into “1”. Whenreceiving a signal representing “in warning” from any payment apparatus12, the registration apparatus 11 changes the status corresponding tothe payment apparatus ID of the payment apparatus 12 into “2”. In thesame way, when receiving a signal representing “in error” from anypayment apparatus 12, the registration apparatus 11 changes the statuscorresponding to the payment apparatus ID of the payment apparatus 12into “3”. When receiving a signal representing that it is not in a stateof “in use”, “in warning” or “in error”, from any payment apparatus 12,the registration apparatus 11 returns the status corresponding to thepayment apparatus ID of the payment apparatus 12 into “0”.

The registration apparatus 11 transmits the accounting data which isgenerated for each transaction, and the data on the list table 41, tothe payment apparatus 12 (in the example of FIG. 4, the paymentapparatus 12-1) which is identified by the payment apparatus IDassociated with the list number “1” (transmission unit). The paymentapparatus 12 includes a reception unit of the accounting data and thedata on the list table 41. The payment apparatus 12 which receives theaccounting data and the data on the list table 41 by the reception unitdetermines whether or not the payment apparatus is in a state wherepayment of the transaction is possible (determination unit). When thestatus is “in use” or “in error”, the payment apparatus 12 is not ableto pay the transaction. When the status is “on standby” or “in warning”,the payment apparatus 12 is able to pay the transaction. When thepayment apparatus 12 is not able to pay the transaction, the paymentapparatus 12 transfers the accounting data and the list data, to thepayment apparatus 12 (in the example of FIG. 4, the payment apparatus12-2) which is identified by the payment apparatus ID associated withthe list number “2” (transfer unit). When the payment apparatus 12 isable to pay the transaction, the CPU 12 a of the payment apparatus 12transmits a permission response to the registration apparatus 11(permission response unit), and processes the payment of the transactionbased on the accounting data. The registration apparatus 11 receivingthe permission response notifies of and displays the information (forexample, identification name) for identifying the payment apparatus 12which is a transmission source of the permission response on one or bothof the touch panel 11 g 1 and the touch panel 11 g 2 (notificationunit). Here, the list table 41 constitutes a storage unit that storesthe priority (list number) which is set for each of a plurality ofpayment apparatuses 12. The registration apparatus 11 includes a displayunit that displays the priority of each of the plurality of paymentapparatuses 12 which is stored in the list table 41 and the state ofeach of the payment apparatuses 12 on the touch panel 11 g 1. Theregistration apparatus 11 includes an instruction unit that gives aninstruction to update the priority. The registration apparatus 11regards the instruction of the update of the priority which is given bythe instruction unit as the establishment of the condition to update thepriority which is set for each of the plurality of payment apparatuses12, and updates the priority by processing the data of the list table 41(update unit).

Hereinafter, the respective units described above will be described indetail with reference to FIG. 5 to FIG. 11. Incidentally, the contentsof the process to be described below are merely an example, and it ispossible to appropriately utilize various processes through which thesame results can be achieved.

The registration apparatus 11 includes a registration mode as one of theoperation modes. If the registration apparatus 11 is started in theregistration mode, the CPU 11 a starts the information processingprocedure illustrated in the flowchart of FIG. 5. First, the CPU 11 ainitializes the memory as Act1. The temporary buffer 31, the transactionmemory 32, and the total memory 33 are cleared by this initialization.Next, the CPU 11 a displays a registration screen SC1 for sales person(see FIG. 9), on a part of the screen of the touch panel 11 g 1 as Act2.The CPU 11 a displays a registration screen for a customer on a part ofthe screen of the touch panel 11 g 2.

The registration screen SC1 for a salesperson displays the contents ofthe temporary buffer 31, the transaction memory 32, and the total memory33 to cause the salesperson 21 to recognize the implementation status ofthe registration process. An example of the registration screen SC1 isillustrated in FIG. 9. The registration screen SC1 includes displayareas R1 and R2. The display area R1 has a display field r11, a displayfield r12, a display field r13, and a display field r14. The merchandisename and unit price, the number, and the amount of money of themerchandise of which sales is registered most recently are respectivelydisplayed on the display fields r11, r12, and r13, based on the data inthe temporary buffer 31. The total number and the total amount of moneyof each piece of merchandise of which sales is registered as onetransaction are displayed in the display field r14, based on the data inthe total memory 33. The display area R2 displays a registrationmerchandise list indicating the merchandise name, the number, the unitprice, and the amount of money of the merchandise of which sales isregistered earlier than the merchandise which is displayed in thedisplay area R1. The registration merchandise list is generated based onthe data in the transaction memory 32.

In addition, without being illustrated, the CPU 11 a displays variousfunction buttons such as a merchandise button intended for thesalesperson 21 to designate the merchandise, and a subtotal buttonintended for the salesperson 21 to instruct the output of subtotal, inan area other than the area of the registration screen SC1, on thescreen of the touch panel 11 g 1.

If the salesperson 21 checks that the registration screen SC1 isdisplayed on the touch panel 11 g 1, the salesperson 21 recognizes thatit is possible to register the sales of the purchase merchandise thatthe shopper purchases. If the shopper 22 moves to the work table 23 withthe purchase merchandise, the salesperson 21 sequentially inputs themerchandise codes of the purchase merchandise pieces, by operating, forexample, the scanner 11 f or the merchandise button. Then, when theinput of the merchandise codes of all pieces of purchase merchandise iscompleted, the salesperson 21 touches the subtotal button. Through theabove operations, the sales registration of the merchandise which ispurchased by a single shopper is completed.

The CPU 11 a of the registration apparatus 11 performs the followinginformation processes, with respect to such a sales registrationoperation. First, the CPU 11 a waits for the input of the merchandisecode as Act3. If the merchandise code is input through the scanner 11 for the merchandise button (YES at Act3), the CPU 11 a processesmerchandise sales data as Act4. In other words, the CPU 11 a acquiresmerchandise information such as the merchandise name and the unit pricewhich are set in the merchandise database in association with themerchandise code. The CPU 11 a calculates the amount of money for thenumber of merchandise, by multiplying the number by the unit price. Ifthe number of merchandise is input by using ten keys or the like beforethe merchandise code is input, the number of merchandise is the inputnumber; and if the number of merchandise is not input, the number ofmerchandise is “1”. The CPU 11 a generates merchandise sales dataincluding a merchandise code, a merchandise name, a unit price, thenumber, and the amount of money in this way. The CPU 11 a stores themerchandise sales data in the temporary buffer 31. In this case, if thetemporary buffer 31 already stores the sales data of the purchasemerchandise of which sales is registered immediately before, the CPU 11a stores new merchandise sales data in the temporary buffer 31, whilemoving the stored merchandise sales data to the transaction memory 32.

The CPU 11 a updates the registration screen SC1 at Act5. In otherwords, the CPU 11 a adds the number and amount of money stored in thetemporary buffer 31 in the total memory 33. The CPU 11 a displays thecontents of the temporary buffer 31 and the total memory 33 in thedisplay area R1, and displays the contents of the transaction memory 32in the display area R2.

After updating the registration screen SC1, the CPU 11 a checks whetheror not the next merchandise code is input as Act6. If the merchandisecode is not input (NO at Act6), the CPU 11 a checks whether or not thesubtotal button is touched as Act7. If the subtotal button is nottouched (NO at Act7), the CPU 11 a returns to the process of Act6. Thus,the CPU 11 a waits for the input of the merchandise code or the touch ofthe subtotal button, as Act6 and Act7. In addition, if the occurrence ofother events such as execution of other operations is checked in thesestandby states, the CPU 11 a proceeds to a process corresponding to theoccurred event. This operation is the same even in other standby states.

In the standby state of Act6 and Act7, if a merchandise code is input(YES at Act6), the CPU 11 a returns to the process of Act 4. The CPU 11a repeats the subsequent processes in the same manner as describedabove.

In the standby state of Act6 and Act7, if a subtotal button is touched(YES at Act7), the CPU 11 a executes the process of Act8 and Act9. Theprocessing procedures of Act8 and Act9 are not limited to this order.The order may be changed.

At Act8, the CPU 11 a moves the merchandise sales data which is storedin the temporary buffer 31, to the transaction memory 32. The CPU 11 agenerates the accounting data by using the data in the transactionmemory 32 and the data in the total memory 33 (generation unit). AtAct9, the CPU 11 a displays an accounting check screen SC2 on a part ofthe screen of the touch panel 11 g 1 (see FIG. 10).

An example of the accounting check screen SC2 is illustrated in FIG. 10.The accounting check screen SC2 includes display areas R3 and R4, andbuttons B1, B2, B3, B4, and B5. The total number, the total amount ofmoney, and the like of the total memory 33 are displayed in the displayarea R3. The buttons B1 and B2 are respectively a subtotal price cutbutton B1 and a subtotal discount button B2, intended for thesalesperson 21 to apply price cut or a discount to the total amount ofmoney. The button B3 is a return button B3 intended for the salesperson21 to return a part area of the screen of the touch panel 11 g 1 to theregistration screen SC1. The button B4 is an accounting button B4intended for the salesperson 21 to instruct the transition to theaccounting when the registration of merchandise for one transaction isended. The current priorities of the respective payment apparatuses 12(12-1, 12-2, and 12-3) which are disposed in the same check-out lane andthe states of the payment apparatuses 12 are displayed in the displayarea R4. The priority matches the list number of the list table 41. Thestate of the payment apparatus 12 is based on the status of the listtable 41. The CPU 11 a generates and displays information on the displayarea R4 based on the data of the list table 41. The button B5 is apriority change button B5 intended for the salesperson 21 to instructthe change of the priority. Here, the priority change button B5constitutes an instruction unit. In addition, the CPU 11 a constitutes adisplay unit in cooperation with the touch panel 11 g 1.

The CPU 11 a which displays the accounting check screen SC2 checkswhether or not the priority change button B5 is input as Act10. If thepriority change button B5 is not input (NO at Act10), the CPU 11 achecks whether or not the accounting button B4 is input as Act11. If theaccounting button B4 is not input (NO at Act11), the CPU 11 a checkswhether or not the return button B3 is input as Act12. If the returnbutton B3 is not input (NO at Act12), the CPU 11 a returns to theprocess of Act10. Thus, the CPU 11 a waits for the input of the prioritychange button B5, the input of the accounting button B4, and the inputof the return button B3, as Act10 to Act12.

The salesperson 21 who checks the accounting check screen SC2 checkswhether or not the registration of the purchase merchandise iscompleted. If the registration is not completed, the salesperson 21touches the return button B3.

In the standby states of Act10 to Act12, if the return button B3 isinput (YES at Act12), the CPU 11 a re-displays the registration screenSC1 in a part area of the screen of the touch panel 11 g 1 as Act13.Thereafter, the CPU 11 a returns to the process of Act6, and repeats thesubsequent processes in the same manner as described above.

If the registration of the purchase merchandise is completed, thesalesperson 21 determines whether or not the priority of the paymentapparatus 12 is to be changed, based on the contents of the display areaR4. For example, if an error or a warning occurs in the paymentapparatus 12 having the top priority, it is not preferable that theaccounting data is transmitted to the payment apparatus 12. Thus, thesalesperson 21 determines that the priority is to be changed. If it isdetermined that the priority is to be changed, the salesperson 21touches the priority change button B5.

In the standby states of Act10 to Act12, if the priority change buttonB5 is touched (YES at Act10), the CPU 11 a starts the priority updateprocess which is specifically illustrated in FIG. 6, as Act14. In thefollowing, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the payment apparatus having thetop priority at the current time is set to the payment apparatus 12-1,the payment apparatus having the second priority is set to the paymentapparatus 12-2, and the payment apparatus having the third priority isset to the payment apparatus 12-3.

First, the CPU 11 a resets the counter n to “0” as Act21. The counter nis formed in the RAM 11 c. Next, the CPU 11 a searches the list table 41as Act22, and checks whether or not the status ST1 associated with thelist number “1” matches the counter n. At the current time, the countern is “0”. Accordingly, if the status ST1 is “0 (on standby)”, it isrecognizes as match. If the status ST1 matches the counter n (YES atAct22), the CPU 11 a returns to the standby state of Act10 to Act12.Accordingly, the priorities of the respect payment apparatuses 12-1,12-2, and 12-3 are not changed.

If the status ST1 does not match the counter n (NO at Act22), thepayment apparatus 12-1 is not “on standby”. In this case, the CPU 11 a,as Act23, checks whether or not the status ST2 associated with the listnumber “2” matches the counter n. In the case of match (YES at Act23),in other words, if the payment apparatus 12-2 is “on standby”, the CPU11 a replaces the payment apparatus ID, the identification name, and thestatus, which are associated with the list number “2” with the paymentapparatus ID, the identification name, and the status, which areassociated with the list number “1”, as Act27. The CPU 11 a rewrites thecontents of the display area R4, based on the data in the list table 41as Act29. Thereafter, the CPU 11 a returns to the standby state of Act10to Act12. Thus, the payment apparatus 12-1 having the top priority isreplaced with the payment apparatus 12-2 having the second priority.

If the status ST2 does not match the counter n (NO at Act23), thepayment apparatus 12-2 is not “on standby”. In this case, the CPU 11 achecks whether or not the status ST3 associated with the list number “3”matches the counter n, as Act24. In the case of match (YES at Act24), inother words, if the payment apparatus 12-3 is “on standby”, the CPU 11 areplaces the payment apparatus ID, the identification name, and thestatus, which are associated with the list number “3” with the paymentapparatus ID, the identification name, and the status, which areassociated with the list number “1”, as Act28. The CPU 11 a rewrites thecontents of the display area R4, based on the data in the list table 41as Act29. Thereafter, the CPU 11 a returns to the standby state of Act10to Act12. Thus, the payment apparatus 12-1 having the top priority isreplaced with the payment apparatus 12-3 having the third priority.

If the status ST3 does not match the counter n (NO at Act24), thepayment apparatus 12-3 is not “on standby”. In this case, the CPU 11 acounts up the counter n by “1”, as Act25. The CPU 11 a checks whether ornot the counter n reaches the maximum value “3” of the status, as Act26.If the counter n does not reach the maximum value “3” of the status (NOat Act26), the CPU 11 a returns to the process of Act22. The CPU 11 arepeats the subsequent processes in the same manner as described above.

By repeating this, if the payment apparatus 12-1 is under accounting(the status ST1 is “1”), the priority is not changed. If the paymentapparatus 12-1 is “in warning” or “in error” (the status ST1 is “2” or“3”) and the payment apparatus 12-2 is under accounting (the status ST2is “1”), the priority of the payment apparatus 12-2 becomes top, and thepriority of the payment apparatus 12-1 becomes the second. If thepayment apparatus 12-1 and the payment apparatus 12-2 are “in warning”or “in error” and the payment apparatus 12-3 is under accounting (thestatus ST3 is “1”), the priority of the payment apparatus 12-3 becomestop, and the priority of the payment apparatus 12-1 becomes the third.

If any of the payment apparatuses 12-1, 12-2, and 12-3 is “in warning”or “in error”, the counter n becomes “2”. The CPU 11 a repeats Act22 andthe subsequent processes in the same manner as described above. Byrepeating this, if the payment apparatus 12-2 is “in warning” (thestatus ST1 is “2”), the priority is not changed. If the paymentapparatus 12-2 is “in error” and the payment apparatus 12-2 is “inwarning” (the status ST2 is “2”), the priority of the payment apparatus12-2 becomes top, and the priority of the payment apparatus 12-1 becomesthe second. If the payment apparatus 12-1 and the payment apparatus 12-2are “in error” and the payment apparatus 12-3 is “in warning” (thestatus ST3 is “2”), the priority of the payment apparatus 12-3 becomestop, and the priority of the payment apparatus 12-1 becomes the third.Here, the CPU 11 a constitutes the update unit by the processes of Act27and Act28.

If any of the payment apparatuses 12-1, 12-2, and 12-3 is “in error”,the counter n becomes “3”. If the counter n becomes “3” (YES at Act26),the CPU 11 a displays a message indicating that transmission of theaccounting data is not possible, in a part area of the accounting checkscreen SC2, for example, the display area R4, as Act30. Thereafter, theCPU 11 a returns to the standby state of Act10 to Act12.

Thus, when it is determined that the priority of the payment apparatus12 is changed, or the change of the priority is not required, thesalesperson 21 touches the accounting button B4.

In the standby state of Act10 to Act12, if the accounting button B4 istouched (YES at Act11), the CPU 11 a executes an accounting transmissionprocess which is specifically illustrated in FIG. 7 as Act15. First, theCPU 11 a reads the list number, the payment apparatus ID, and theidentification name from the list table 41, and generates a list inwhich payment apparatuses ID and identification names are arranged, inan ascending order of the list number, as Act41. Next, the CPU 11 adetects the payment apparatus ID of the list number “1” from the listtable 41 as Act42. The CPU 11 a instructs the communication unit 11 j totransmit the accounting data generated in the process of Act8 and thelist data generated in the process of Act41, with the payment apparatusID of the list number “1” as a destination, as Act43.

In response to the instruction, the communication unit 11 j transmits“accounting data+list data” of which a transmission source is theregistration apparatus ID which is stored in the ROM 11 b, with thepayment apparatus ID of the list number “1” as a destination, over theLAN 13. The “accounting data+list data” is received by the paymentapparatus 12 for which the destination payment apparatus ID matches thepayment apparatus ID stored in the ROM 12 b. Here, the CPU 11 acooperates with the communication unit 11 j to constitute a transmissionunit.

When receiving the “accounting data+list data” through the communicationunit 12 j, the CPU 12 a of each payment apparatus 12 checks whether ornot the payment apparatus ID which is attached to the data as thetransmission destination matches the payment apparatus ID stored in theROM 12 b. If the two payment apparatus IDs do not match, the CPU 12 adiscards the “accounting data+list data”. If the two payment apparatusIDs match, the CPU 12 a achieves the “accounting data+list data”. TheCPU 12 a starts a reception interrupt process which is specificallyillustrated in FIG. 8. Here, the CPU 12 a cooperates with thecommunication unit 12 j to constitute a reception unit.

If the reception interrupt process is started, the CPU 12 a first checkswhether or not an error occurs in the automatic change machine 12 e, theprinter 12 h, or the like, as Act51. When an error occurs, the paymentapparatus 12 is not able to pay a new transaction. In this case (YES atAct51), the CPU 12 a proceeds to a process of Act57 described later.

When an error does not occur (NO at Act51), the CPU 12 a checks a busyflag F as ACT 52. The busy flag F is one-bit data which is set to “1”while the CPU 12 a processes the payment of the transaction based on theaccounting data, and is reset to “0” if the process is ended, and isstored in the RAM 12 c. When the busy flag F is set, the paymentapparatus 12 is on the process of payment of a transaction. Therefore,the payment apparatus 12 is not able to pay a new transaction. In thiscase (NO at Act52), the CPU 12 a proceeds to a process of Act57described later. Here, the CPU 12 a constitutes a determination unit bythe processes of Act51 and Act52.

When the busy flag F is reset, that is, when the payment apparatus 12 isin a state of being capable of executing the payment of the transaction(YES at Act52), the CPU 12 a executes the processes of Act53, Act54, andAct55. The processing procedures of Act53, Act54, and Act55 are notlimited to this order. The order may be changed.

At Act53, the CPU 12 a sets the busy flag F to “1”. At Act54, the CPU 12a instructs the communication unit 12 j to transmit the command data ofan accounting able response to the registration apparatus 11 which is adata transmission source. In response to the instruction, thecommunication unit 12 j transmits the command data of an accounting ableresponse of which a transmission source is the payment apparatus IDwhich is stored in the ROM 12 b, with the registration apparatus IDwhich is set to the transmission source of “accounting data+list data”as a destination, over the LAN 13. The command data is received by theregistration apparatus 11 of which the destination registrationapparatus ID matches the registration apparatus ID stored in the ROM 11b. Here, the CPU 12 a cooperates with the communication unit 12 j toconstitute a permission response unit.

At Act55, the CPU 12 a executes a payment process based on the receivedaccounting data. Since a payment process is a process to pay thetransaction indicated by the accounting data in response to theoperation by the shopper 22, and is the same as the process that isperformed by an existing self-POS terminal, the detailed descriptionthereof will be omitted. If the payment process is completed, the CPU 12a resets the busy flag F to “0” (Act56).

Meanwhile, when an error occurs in the automatic change machine 12 e,the printer 12 h, or the like (YES at Act51), or the busy flag F is set(NO at Act52), the CPU 12 a searches the list data as Act57. The CPU 12a checks whether or not the payment apparatus ID stored in the ROM 12 bis associated with the last list number of the list data as Act58. Ifthe payment apparatus ID is not associated with the last list number (NOat Act58), the CPU 12 a detects the payment apparatus ID which isassociated with the list number obtained by adding “1” to the listnumber associated with the payment apparatus ID stored in the ROM 12 b,from the list data, as Act59. The CPU 12 a instructs the communicationunit 12 j to transfer “accounting data+list data”, with the detectedpayment apparatus ID as a destination as Act60. In response to thiscommand, the communication unit 12 j transmits “accounting data+listdata”, with the detected payment apparatus ID as a destination, by usingthe registration apparatus ID indicating the transmission source as itis, over the LAN 13. The “accounting data+list data” is received by thepayment apparatus 12 of which the destination payment apparatus IDmatches the payment apparatus ID stored in the ROM 12 b. Here, the CPU12 a cooperates with the communication unit 12 j to constitute atransfer unit.

In contrast, if the payment apparatus ID is associated with the lastlist number (the maximum value of the list number) (YES at Act58), theCPU 12 a instructs the communication unit 12 j to transmit command dataof an accounting disable response to the registration apparatus 11 whichis a data transmission source, as Act61. In response to thisinstruction, the communication unit 12 j transmits the command data ofan accounting disable response of which a transmission source is thepayment apparatus ID stored in the ROM 12 b, with the registrationapparatus ID which is set to the transmission source of “accountingdata+list data” as a destination, over the LAN 13. The command data isreceived by the registration apparatus 11 of which destinationregistration apparatus ID matches the registration apparatus ID storedin the ROM 11 b.

The CPU 11 a of the registration apparatus 11 that transmits “accountingdata+list data” as Act43 of FIG. 7 waits for a response from the paymentapparatus 12, as Act 44. If command data indicating the response isreceived through the communication unit 11 j (YES at Act44), the CPU 11a identifies whether the command data is an accounting able response oran accounting disable response, as Act45. In the case of the accountingable response (YES at Act45), the CPU 11 a displays the identificationname of the payment apparatus 12 which is the transmission source of theaccounting able response on an accounting check screen SC2, as Act 46.In other words, the CPU 11 a searches the list table 41, and reads theidentification name which is stored in association with the paymentapparatus ID which is the command data transmission source. Asillustrated in FIG. 11, the CPU 11 a displays a message indicating thatthe payment apparatus 12 having this identification name is prepared forthe accounting, in some area R4 of the accounting check screen SC2. Thesalesperson who checks this message notifies the shopper to performaccounting at the payment apparatus 12 which is specified by theidentification name. Here, the CPU 11 a in cooperation with the touchpanel high constitutes a notification unit.

Meanwhile, in the case of the accounting disable response (NO at Act45),the CPU 11 a displays a message indicating that the transmission of theaccounting data is not possible, in some area of the accounting checkscreen SC2, for example, the display area R4, as Act47. Thereafter, theCPU 11 a executes a transmission disable process as Act48. In thetransmission disable process, for example, the accounting data with aunique identification code attached thereto is transmitted to a server,and an accounting ticket having a bar code printed thereon indicatingthe identification code is issued by driving the printer 11 h. Theaccounting ticket is passed to the shopper. The shopper operates, forexample, the scanner 12 f of the payment apparatus 12 which is preparedin a location separate from the chuck-out lane to read the bar code ofthe accounting ticket. Thus, the CPU 12 a of the payment apparatus 12acquires the accounting data attached with the identification codeacquired from the bar code, from the server. The CPU 12 a executes thepayment process, based on the accounting data.

According to the check-out system. 10 which operates in this way, theregistration apparatus 11 transmits the accounting data to the paymentapparatus 12 that is set to have a top priority. The payment apparatus12, which receives the accounting data from the registration apparatus11 in a state where the payment of the transaction is executable,processes the payment of the transaction, based on the accounting data.However, when receiving the accounting data in a state where the paymentof the transaction is not executable, the payment apparatus 12 cannotprocess the payment. In this case, the payment apparatus transfers theaccounting data to another payment apparatus 12 in which a lowerpriority is set. If the payment apparatus 12 that receives theaccounting data transferred from other payment apparatus 12 is capableof executing the payment of the transaction, the payment apparatus 12processes the payment of the transaction, based on the transferredaccounting data. Thus, for example, even if the payment apparatus 12which receives the accounting data from the registration apparatus 11 isnot capable of executing the payment, if another payment apparatus 12 isin a state of capable of executing the payment, the payment isprocessed. Therefore, since the registration apparatus 11 may transmitthe accounting data to the payment apparatus 12 in which the toppriority is set, it is not necessary to perform a process of selecting apayment apparatus which is a destination of the accounting data at eachtransaction. Therefore, for example, it is possible to reduce the workburden of salesperson 21, as compared to a case where the salesperson 21selects a destination at each transaction. In addition, it is possibleto reduce the processing load of the registration apparatus 11, ascompared to a case where the registration apparatus 11 selects adestination at each transaction, based on the state of each paymentapparatus 12.

In addition, the priority of each payment apparatus 12 and the status ofeach payment apparatus 12 are displayed on the accounting check screenSC2 of the registration apparatus. Thus, for example, if a warningindicating excess of cash in the automatic change machine 12 e isgenerated in the payment apparatus 12 having the top priority, thesalesperson touches the priority change button B5. Here, as illustratedin FIG. 10, if it is assumed that the payment apparatus having thesecond priority is under accounting, and the payment apparatus havingthe third priority is on standby, the payment apparatus having the thirdpriority is ranked up to the top priority. Accordingly, thereafter,since the accounting data is transmitted to the payment apparatus 12which is in warning only when any payment apparatus having the top orthe second priority is not capable of executing the payment of thetransaction, it is possible to delay the money from being full in theautomatic change machine 12 e. Thus, in the meantime, since it ispossible to release the warning due to the recovery of cash fromautomatic change machine 12 e, it is possible to prevent the occurrenceof the error in advance.

The present disclosure is not limited to the exemplary embodimentdescribed herein.

For example, in the embodiment, the priority update process is executedon the condition that the priority change button B5 is operated, but thecondition on which the priority update process is executed is notlimited to the button operation. For example, the priority updateprocess may be executed on the condition that the CPU 11 a of theregistration apparatus 11 monitors the status of the list table 41, anddetects that the status of the payment apparatus having the top priorityis in a warning state or an error state, it may execute the priorityupdate process.

While certain embodiments of the present invention have been described,these embodiments have been presented by way of example, and are notintended to limit the scope of the inventions.

Indeed, the novel embodiments may be embodied in a variety of otherforms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes may bemade without departing from the spirit of the inventions. Theembodiments and modifications are included in the scope and spirit ofthe invention, and are included in the invention described in theaccompanying claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A registration apparatus together with aplurality of payment apparatuses constituting a check-out system, thepayment apparatus transmitting a permission response through a network,when accounting data and data on a priority are received in a statewhere payment of a transaction is possible, and transferring theaccounting data and the priority data to another payment apparatushaving a lower priority than the payment apparatus within the pluralityof payment apparatuses, based on the priority data, through the network,when the accounting data and the priority data are received in a statewhere the payment of the transaction is not possible, the registrationapparatus comprising: generation means for generating accounting datarequired for payment of a transaction for each transaction; storagemeans for storing a priority which is set for each of the plurality ofpayment apparatuses; update means for updating the priority which isstored in the storage means, based on data indicating a state of each ofthe plurality of payment apparatuses, if a condition to update thepriority is established; transmission means for transmitting theaccounting data and data on the priority stored in the storage means, toa payment apparatus having a top priority, through the network; andnotification means for notifying of information for identifying anypayment apparatus which is a transmission source of a permissionresponse, in response to reception of the permission response from thepayment apparatus through the network.